One Player That Could Take Each NHL Team to the Next Level

The NHL season is starting on Saturday, and with top name UFAs set to hit the market in July, there could be a very active trade season in which players like Alexander Edler and Jarome Iginla could be acquired in order to take an NHL team to the next level.

For each team, the "next level" is a different concept. For basement teams, the next level could be a step in the right direction, it could be making the playoffs for a bubble team and it could mean Stanley Cup contention for current playoff teams.

This list will feature players who are upcoming free agents, or players who could be available via trade to maintain a sense a realism. Although Evgeni Malkin would take almost every team to the next level, he won't be available for trade.

For many teams adding a veteran like Jarome Iginla, or a prized upcoming UFA like Corey Perry, Edler, or Ryan Getzlaf could put them over the top, so they might appear for multiple teams.

These players will be a first option for many teams who are setting their sights high to retool as a franchise.

Nonetheless, here is one player for each NHL team that could take them to the "next level".

Anaheim Ducks: Travis Zajac

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The Anaheim Ducks are a team whose top priority will be retaining their free agents by the end of the year, but if the Ducks wanted to make a trade to take them to the next level it would be acquiring Travis Zajac.

Zajac is a young and talented forward who would add some serious center depth to the Ducks.

While Anaheim may have some some talented forwards in Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan and Ryan Getzlaf, Zajac would add some scoring and playmaking ability that would take Anaheim to the next level.

Buffalo Sabres: Ryan Getzlaf

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The best trade the Buffalo Sabres could make would be adding a top center like Ryan Getzlaf. The Sabres lack talent and substantive depth in that position, so adding an top-end center like Getzlaf would take them to the next level.

Getzlaf is set to become a free agent next summer, and he is also coming off a down year. Anaheim likely would prefer to keep Getzlaf, but for the right price, there is a good chance Bob Murray would trade him.

Chicago Blackhawks: Roberto Luongo

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The Chicago Blackhawks are a team that has a solid forward group and blue line, but they do need some serious help in goal.

Corey Crawford has not been a consistent netminder for Chicago, and adding a top-end netminder like Roberto Luongo would take the 'Hawks to the next level, and it would make the team a bona-fide contender.

Colorado Avalanche: Niklas Backstrom

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Niklas Backstrom is a goaltender who is slated to become a UFA at the end of the season, and with Matt Hackett and Josh Harding ready to take over in Minnesota, there is no guarantee he will be re-signed.

Although Backstrom is getting a little older, he would be an automatic upgrade of J-S Giguere and Semyon Varlamov in net.

Dallas Stars: Ryan Getzlaf

After the upcoming season, Jamie Benn will be the Dallas Stars only top-six center signed through 2013, and that will leave a hole at the No. 2 center spot.

Adding a power-forward center like Ryan Getzlaf would add another dimension to the Stars' offense, and it would give Dallas the firepower needed to become a strong playoff team.

Getzlaf would fit right in, and he would be a suitable replacement for the void left by Brad Richards. If Getzlaf was not an option, expect Dallas to consider players like Tyler Bozak and Travis Zajac.

Montreal Canadiens: Joffrey Lupul

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Joffrey Lupul would be a player that would really improve the Montreal Canadiens' scoring depth. The team was one of the worst scoring teams in the NHL last year, and the roster doesn't currently feature any prominent goal scorers.

Lupul could cost the Canadiens a pretty package, but he would certainly be worth it because of what he brings to the table.

New York Islanders: Jimmy Howard

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Jimmy Howard is a UFA in July, and although he could always re-sign with Detroit, coming to Long Island would take the team to the next level.

Adding Howard would give the Islanders a roster featuring John Tavares, Ryan Strome, Griffin Reinhart, and Matt Moulson among others youngsters who would be ready to make their debut in the coming years.

If the Isles got serious in net, they could become a playoff team that would continue to build for their arrival in Brooklyn.

Phoenix Coyotes: Nathan Horton

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The Phoenix Coyotes are a team that really needs a big star to become the face of the franchise, because Shane Doan will eventually retire.

Nathan Horton is a young and rugged power forward who plays a physical game similar to Shane Doan. The youngster is feeling great after recovering from a concussion, and he is the type of player who would fit in Phoenix.

St.Louis Blues: Jarome Iginla

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Jarome Iginla is a veteran forward who would really fit in with a young team like the St.Louis Blues. Iginla wants to win a Stanley Cup, and the Blues are a contender who really are a piece like Iginla away from having enough fire power to contend for the Cup.

With an amazing defense and goaltending tandem, Iginla would be the final piece to the St.Louis offense, and he could play a big role for the team in the playoffs and regular season in the future.

San Jose Sharks: Michael Ryder

Michael would also fit in with the San Jose Sharks, and he would be a great secondary addition to help put the team over the top in the final stretch run for the Stanley Cup.

Ryder was a key cog for the Boston Bruins during their Stanley Cup season in 2010-11, and his experience would be valuable for the Sharks.

The Sharks improved their blue line this offseason, and with a number of talented youngsters on the roster, they could stand to benefit from a player like Ryder would is motivated by experience to win the Cup.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Ryan Getzlaf

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The Toronto Maple Leafs' most dire need outside of goaltending is a No. 1 center-man, and Ryan Getzlaf would address that issue.

Current GM Dave Nonis was an Asst. GM in Anaheim under Brian Burke, so he has some familiarity with Getzlaf. Adding Getzlaf would give the Leafs enough to be a playoff team in the East if they also addressed their goaltending.

Winnipeg Jets: Mike Ribeiro

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Mike Ribeiro is one of the league's talented play-making-centers,who is very creative and talented. Although he has a notorious reputation for diving, his offensive abilities allow him to be a solid contributor.

Winnipeg is a team looking to add some pieces to build up the organization before prospects like Mark Scheifele are ready, and Ribeiro is a forward who would help bridge the gap and he could serve a role similar to Olli Jokinen.